A Glimpse Of Hope...

Chapter 19 - A Glimpse Of Hope...

Well... Truthfully this is really unexpected. I never thought I will meet her again, two times at the top of the gate of the Capital, maybe it can still be called a coincidence since that place has a nice view but...

"Aaron-san! What a surprise! I never thought that I'd meet you in here!" She exclaimed with a smile

"Same here actually." I replied

For her to visit Arlham Village directly like this... This is surprisingly unexpected

"What are you doing over here?" Tear asked

"I live around this area, a mansion not far from here to be precise." I answered "How about you? What are you doing over here?" I asked back

"I came here to sell my stuff, of course!" She gestured to the basket she was carrying with a grin, her blue eyes seemed to sparkle for a moment "I was trying my luck, there's too many rivals in the Capital, but here? Well..." She patted her merchandise with a satisfied face "I got a lot of profit."

"Well..." That's actually not wrong, the Capital is a really crowded place, she's not the only one who's selling merchandise there so... "But then, why did you open a store in the Capital in the first place?"

"Because it's a good place to make a name." She answered "It's the Capital after all, and while I make profit, sometimes I will need extra money and to get that I decided to go to one or two small village's, so instead of buying from the Capital, they buy it from me. Granted my merchandise isn't that much in terms of quantity, but profit is still a profit."

"I see..." I hummed, that actually made sense in one or two ways

As soon as I see her I decide to have talk with her privately in order to gaining information, right now I already separated from Petra and Luka, we were in flower garden that near the village, the place where Subaru want to spend his time with Emilia

"Still... I never thought there's a large flower garden like this in here." She said while crouching and poking one of the flowers with astonished face, she turned to me with smile "You live in good place Aaron-san."

"I'm not live in here but well, I guess you can say so." I replied nonchalantly

Normally I won't pick such place just for talk but since this place is quite far and isolated but at same time also not suspicious and open as well. I decide to pick it, just in case if there's someone spying or make a move toward us I can see and fight them without fear I would endangering someone

Save for Tear of course, but it's better one person than a group

"Hey, hey, do you mind if I pick few to be sold at Capital?"

"I'm not the owner but I won't suggest that, you will ruin this garden." I deadpanned. This girl... She's really greedy despite her benevolent look. Then again, that was to be expected from normal people like her, she's working to make money for living after all so...

"But if I take one or two..." She muttered while glancing to the flowers that everywhere "Maybe a dozen?"

How is it possible from one or two instantly go to dozen?!

"Just take one or two pairs please, don't take more than that." I said with sigh

"Thank you Aaron-san!" She replied with big smile "You're really well known around here eh Aaron-san?"

"You can say so." Pretty much everyone in village already know of my existence, and they all quite respectful to me. Thanks to the Charisma for that I suppose

"Hmmm, that sounds pretty good, it mean you're doing whatever you did right." She commented with approving nod "But you looks unhappy from that."

"Unhappy?" I quirked my eyebrow at her

"Well... I'm pretty good person Aaron-san." She exclaimed with smile "I can tell that you're in problem." She stated while resting her chin to her palm "Again." She added

I only silent in response of her comment. I stare at her, from top of her red hair to the bottom of her sandals. My eyes focused momentarily to her face that smiling, seeking any sign of non-verbal language

After almost a full minute I turned away, my eyes locked to the green that surrounding us "I'm not unhappy about them."

"Really?" She asked again, making me turn to face her who looking up at me from her position "I don't know about the details but..." She tilt her head, a slight bitter emotion marred her face "From here, it looks like you're crying."

I feel myself stiffened at that statement. Crying? Me? Heh, don't be ridiculous! I... I...

"It just your feeling." I answered swiftly as I turned away

That was lie, very obvious one. The way I flinch and went silent for moment... If Tear sharp enough to know there's something wrong with me then she surely also realize that was bullshit

"You look like having a whole World on your shoulder."

I narrowed my eyes at her from my position. That... That was certainly familiar words. If I recall, that was what she said to me when we...

"Are you going to tell me to tell "Fuck you" to the World again?" I asked with small smirk

The response I got from her is like what I wish. Her smile gone, blush spread to her face and she flail her arms in panic manner "D-D-Don't say it aloud like that!" She stammered

"Why not?"

"I-It's embarrassing!" She stuttered "Just... Just remembering that..." She fell silence for moment before she cover her face "Uwaaaah! I don't believe I used such crass word!"

I chuckled as she started to stuttering like a mess, really, I can use any smallest joy I could find right now to comfort myself

"Don't laugh." She ordered with pout while huffing her cheeks "You're mean you know that? I was just trying to help."

I can't help but let out snort at that. Help? What possibly you could do?

"I don't know, you never told me your problem."

I blinked at her. Did I just say that aloud?

"Yes, you just say that aloud, and no, I'm not reading your mind." She continued with beatific smile "It's all written over your face Aaron-san."

"Is that so..." I said in nonchalant voice

"So... You going to tell me your problem?"

"No."

I'm already sick having Emilia and Rem pestering me about that, I don't need someone who I barely know -she's not friend but I would say she's bordering to one- to start bothering me too

...

I think the pleasantries already enough, I can get to the business without sounds suspicious anymore. I turned to her and-

"It's hard isn't it? To have countless depending on you."

Any words that formed in my lips washed away

She did not look at me, rather she staring at the purple flower that she hold in her hand, twirling it and give sniff to the plant. Her legs dangling in air from her sitting position before she slowly turn to me and extend the flower to my direction

"Iris... It spoke for Hope, Wisdom and Valor." She said softly

I stare at the purple plant for a few seconds, then my gaze shifted back to her who look at me expectantly

"I'm not brave nor I'm wise." I replied "I'm just a man who used as chewing toy by the World."

I don't know why I'm saying that, perhaps it because my mind is too messed up, I won't be surprised if someone call me crazy with the way I behave, my past self would said that without hesitation

"But you're here right?"

"... What with me being here connected to brave and wise?" As matter of fact bravery sometime can be considered as stupidity, something that opposite to Wisdom

"Aaron-san, I don't know your problem but it was easy for me to know that you were in something deep, and that bothering you, terrifying you even."

Memory of Cthulhu gigantic figure crossed to my mind, followed by the dead of villager and I feel my breath hitched

"But you're still right here now. You not running away."

"Are you suggesting that I should run away and abandon them?" I asked in incredulous voice while giving her same look

... Then again, that's what I will do right? After I dispose those children I will run away from here. I don't want to face Cthulhu again, once is already enough, I have no intention to went through that torturous event twice

"Why not?"

Despite she talking about abandoning the whole village possibly to dead or something that worse, Tear beautiful smile never gone, it was still there, her blue eyes also show nothing but peace and serene emotion

Before I can make comment she continue to speak

"Isn't that what people usually do? When they terrified or afraid usually they run away. And it was normal to do that if you afraid

"But you... Despite whatever that terrifying you but you still remain here and you're also smart or wise enough to know that running won't solve anything, so you decide to stay and trying to solve it. Isn't that what we called Brave?"

That... That... That... That was...

"You were wrong." I muttered, voice low and only a mere whisper "I'm not brave..." I never was... All this time I was confident and always appear to be strong because I know that I will win, I'm strong, I'm not normal, I'm someone who inherit King of Knights strength, that's why...

But now... Now there's someone that more powerful than me... Terrifyingly more powerful... I...

And I'm never a good person... I'm selfish, I never care much about other. My intention to befriend with Rem, Ram, Emilia and the other is so I can gain allies, so I will have support from them...

I am... Only a normal person who unlucky...

"Perhaps... But your effort and your struggle... Isn't that bravery in their own way?" She said as she took my hand, opening my palm and place the Iris flower in there "You're brave enough to stand against what terrifying you, and you're also wise enough to know that if you run away in instant the result will be more catastrophic." She tilt her face up to me and place one hand to my chest "All you need now, is a Hope."

"There's no Hope." I dryly replied "My enemy is equal to the World themselves. What Hope I could get from that?" I asked rhetorically. All I ever wanted... Is only life like a normal person... Life in peace...

Tear's grip on my hand tightened but there's no malice intent in there, it seems filled with reassurance, I noted that her hand is a bit cold

"I understand, I may not look like it but believe me I understand." She murmured to me, her face taking carrying hint of sympathy "But we can't stop fighting, because when people stop fighting, that was when they truly lose."

"Why do we still fighting if we already know the result in the end?" My enemy is Cthulhu, a motherfucking Cthulhu, even if I fight I still going to lose

Tear smile returned, and this time it carry hint of melancholy but at same time also happiness "Because of Hope."

"Because... Of Hope?" I repeated. I stare at her for moment, my face showing dumbfounded expression before I glanced at the flower in my hand, tilting it crown to facing me, I observe the petals and the core for moment before closing my eyes "Hope is not enough. You can't accomplish things with a Hope."

"That's true." She agreed with me much to my confusion and surprise "Hope can't solve anything, but it can led you to the right path." She uttered softly as she retracted her hand from me "When people in despair, their only salvation is Hope, and through it they can accomplish amazing feat despite being cornered.

"Hope is what make people strong. It is the reason why people band together. It is what people fighting for, and it is what they fight with when all else is lost."

...

...

...

... I don't know either I should laugh or angry at her... I mean... She just telling me straight to use Hope facing Cthulhu. Really? That's it? That was bullshit! A high level bullshit! What kind of crap was that?!

And why the damn hell the words she use seems familiar?!

"Is there any particular reason you come to this place?" I decide to ask, changing the conversation as I don't want to talk about it anymore

Tear seems at least understand and not wish to pry anymore as she responded "Particular reason?" She asked back with confused face

"I mean, why come to here? To this village precisely?"

"Oh, that." She tap her chin with her index finger "Not really, I come to here because there's group of merchant that want to come here."

Now that, caught my attention wholly

"A group of merchant?"

"Yes, originally the village supply should be delivered two days ago, however due to some disturbance it got delayed. And to apologize for that the head of the merchant that responsible for this area come here personally by delivering the stocks personally."

... If that wasn't damn suspicious I don't know what else is. I mean, coming here personally? What possibly could-

"You not need to worry about that. I already ensure the village won't get their supply for next few days, enough until the day of ordeal come!"

Oh... Oh... Oh... Oh fuck...

"The name." I gulped the lump that formed on my throat and I feel my lips become dry "Who's the name of the one that in charge of that merchant group?"

"Who's the person in charge? I have need something for my own plan."

"His name? Umm..." Tear close her eyes, fingers touching her chin as she take thoughtful pose for moment "If I recall.. It was Ketty. Yeah, Ketty Muttart."

"Ketty, you just need to find man named Ketty. I can contact him if you want. What do you need by the way?"

It was then everything that troubling this village connected to my mind. My battle is still not over, it's still continue. While it is true that Petelgeuse is dangerous but he is never the main threat in first place, no. It was the Witch Cult, his branch to be precise

Unlike in canon, Petelgeuse come here not to test Emilia directly, the tester is those children, whatever those things that right now laying dormant inside them. When they unleashed they will be the one that become the biggest threat

"Though it's not much, Betty doesn't know what it is but it acted almost like a Curse, it's need a trigger to active."

And anyone from Petelgeuse's Cultist faction highly possible able to trigger that 'Curse'

Fuck! Fuck! Fuuuuck! How could I miss this in last timeline?! How the hell I forget about this?! Fuck! I'm fucking idiot! Reveling in victory while in truth it's still not over! Of course they coming here now, there's no news from Petelgeuse after all!

"Where is he now?!" I demanded, polite be damned! If that guy already in village right now...

"Hm? Muttart-san still not in here yet, we actually come first because we want to work earlier in hoping get extra coins."

Gods, I really feel relieved to hear that. Those cultist still not in here. Wait a minute "We?" I asked

"Oh, I come here with someone." She said with smile "Surely you not expecting girl like me goes out from Capital by herself right?"

Make sense "May I know your companion name?"

"Why?" She asked while blinking in confusion, then she let out gasp "Aaron-san, could it be... You're jealous?!" She exclaimed

I give her look in here, one that practically say I'm not amused or enjoy her accusation -or joke, just answer it woman!

She seems get my silent message as she huffed her cheeks "You're no fun Aaron-sama." She said "His name is Otto, Otto Suwen."

Otto Suwen... Now why's that name sounds damn familiar? If I recall, wasn't he...

Wasn't he the guy who can talk to animals and befriend with Subaru? The one who also... Knock him up from his ride so he not got chased by Hakugei?

Oh, and he also can talk with animal! With that kind of ability... Wow, he can be very useful. But that's not important now, I have something else to dealt with

"Does Muttart-san told you when he going to come?" I asked

"He didn't." Tear answered, then her face confronted into slight concern "Why? Is there something wrong?"

... Alright, let's play it cool and calm "In last two days there a problem, the road to here is actually not safe. While I can see how you and Suwen-san arrive in here without any harm due to you two only being alone and look not bring many things, but if there's large group."

"Is it about the Witch Cult?"

"You knew?"

"I heard about them from the villager when I asking around, the elder said that it was fortunate that we were late to coming."

Well... This make things simpler "Yes, a problem with Witch Cult, we afraid that there might be few still lurking around." I confirmed "Let's go look for Suwen-san, he might be-"

"Aaron-sama, what are you doing?"

Familiar voice called me, and I turned around and see there is Rem not far from me, she standing while carrying a barrel on her hand. On her side is a man with appearance that seems gloomy and tired, he have gray hair that quite long and also clad in green outfit along with head that has single feather

While his face in reality is far different from anime but... Yeah, I recognize him, this is Otto Suwen alright, I remember him now. I can see why Luka call him sick-looking too, he look like so tired and always depressed.

"Rem, great timing." I said as I saw her approach me "Listen I-"

"Are you proposing to this girl Aaron-sama?" She asked in strange voice

I blinked, hard, cutting myself from speaking further "Proposing?" I asked in incredulity. Where's that one coming from?

The blue oni answer my question by looking down to my hand, and I notice there's flower in there, Iris flower that Tear just give to me

"This? Rem, this is-"

"Is it for Rem then?" She let out small gasp and her eyes widened, then her face taking delightful expression "Aaron-sama, there is no need to use flower to proposing to Rem, Rem will-"

"No, no, no, this is actually belong to Tear-san and-"

"So it's for this woman then?" Her voice turned back to strange and I swear I saw her eyes flashed with something ominous for moment

I about to retort again but this time I stop myself before I blurting out without thinking anymore by slapping my forehead "No, just no." I paused briefly. God damn it, how the hell she come to that conclusion? Women and their bad habit, seriously. Always jumping to instant decision "This flower given to me by Tear-san." I gestured to the red haired girl who giggling at our interaction "Speaking about her, Tear-san meet Rem. Rem meet Tear-san."

"Hello, it's nice to meet you." Tear waved her hand to her in friendly manner "You're friend with Aaron-san?"

"It's nice to meet you too Tear-san." Rem nodded to her "Rem is, Rem is also the one who taking care of Aaron-sama, she might be going to take care of his future as well."

Oi, oi, I can accept the first and the second but the last one clearly not

"Eh?" Tear meanwhile look confused "Is that so... Ahahaha." She chuckled weakly "A-Anyway, Suwen-kun! Just the person I looking for!"

"A-Ah, I also looking for you Tear-san." Otto replied with nervous smile "I want to tell you something, about Muttart-san."

"Oh! Yes! Muttart-san! I also want to say something about him but first." She turned to me and give tug to my sleeve "This is Aaron-san, Aaron-san meet Suwen-kun."

"Aaron Pendragon." I said as I extend my hand to him with small smile

"Ah, Otto Suwen." He took my hand with weak smile, I noted that her grip also seems a bit strong, he look excited and nervous at same time "It's nice to meet you."

"As do I." I replied as I retract my hand "Now, I believe you were speaking about your higher, Ketty Muttart?"

"Huh? Yeah, is there something wrong Pendragon-san?"

"Well... He's about to come here right? Do you know when he will come?"

"Yeah, he said he will come around two lunartime."

Two lunartime... Right now is already one lunartime and bordering to two, as matter of fact it's already close to. Damn, I only have short time left

"Is there something Pendragon-san?" Otto asked

"... Yes, there is. Do you have any way to contact him?"

"I did, he lent me some Converse Mirror." He brought out the mirror "He just tell me they will arrive soon as matter of fact."

"Is that so." Damn, damn, damn! "Excuse me for a moment. I need to talk with Rem here." I said while giving look to Rem "If you have some question, you can ask Tear-san here if you want to, she get the big picture."

"Alright then."

I make gesture to Rem who looking at me with curiosity, she drop the barrel to the ground softly before we both walk away few meters from Otto and Tear

"Is there something wrong Aaron-sama?" She asked

"Yeah." I nodded "Before I said anything can you tell me where you find that guy?" I asked while discreetly gesturing to Otto

"Oh that, Suwen-san apparently also searching for his companion, Rem also bought few supplies from him, we both heard that Aaron-sama and his companion went to this direction."

I see... Talk about good timing...

"Could it be... That Aaron-sama jealous?"

"What?" I asked blankly

"There's no need to jealous Aaron-sama, no matter what, Aaron-sama is the only man other than Roswaal-sama that Rem will serve wholeheartedly, in body and mind." She said that embarrassing words with shockingly straight face

I don't know either I should be happy or annoyed. On one hand, this is Rem we talking about. Imagine how many otaku and fans will cry and kneel just to heard that words come out from her mouth. On another hand however, this is not the time!

"While I'm happy to hear that." Ohh I did, make no mistake, I feel my cheeks become warm just by admitting that aloud, and Rem's beatific and happy smile only intensifying that "But right now we have urgent matter."

She must be noting how serious I look as she also straightened her posture and look at me with keen eyes "Rem listening."

"I'm almost forget about it, I just remember it now as matter of fact." I said "Before my battle with the arcbishop, he mentioning about having a guy who handling merchant that responsible for selling supplies to this village, and he said that he had delay the deliverance for few days so the merchant won't cross path with Witch Cult." I inform her that "The name of that merchant is Ketty, and the one that will come here soon is Ketty Muttart. Coincidence? I don't think so."

Rem slowly tilt her gaze to Otto and Tear who chatting, her body become rigid for a moment and I can see her fingers twitched. It's not need to take genius to put the puzzle together "Then... Is that mean those two..."

"No, I suspect they're not with the Witch Cult." I replied. Otto Suwen is clearly not belong to Witch Cult, that was very obvious. As for Tear... I kind of having hard time to thought of her as someone who belong to Witch Cult, I mean... She looks a bit clumsy and a girl that sheltered in one or two way "They probably sended here as a pawn. Clearly that Ketty confused he did not get any news from the arcbishop but he not stupid enough to visit this place without order, so he sended them here to check on them

"If they manage to reach the village it mean something went wrong with their operation since the Witch Cult mostly going to kill them before they got to the village. But if they don't then then they will follow whatever instruction they last given.

"Since Suwen-san here already inform him, then he must be aware that their operation went wrong so he decide to come here personally to check it, and he probably going to continue the day of Ordeal in place of his fallen master."

"Day of Ordeal?"

"That was what that arcbishop say about this operation, I don't know why it called that though. Anyway, at any case we don't have much time." I stare at her in eyes directly "Those children, secure them, take them away from this village."

I can sense the blue haired oni tensed stiffened, her expression become tight and also slight concern "Aaron-sama going to kill them?"

Despite there's no hesitation in there or a stutter but I can tell that she really dislike the idea of killing those... Things "... No." I said with short pause "As much as that will make things easier but I don't think Emi will like it if she found out about that. Just go and secure them Rem, don't let any civilian got close to them." I ordered

Rem stoic face broke, small smile and her sharp gaze mellowed "Leave it to Rem, Rem shall secure the children away from this village." She said with determination "What Aaron-sama going to do?"

I turned to the direction of the entrance of the village, my eyes sharpened and I feel anger start to grow inside me

"I'm going to greet our guest properly."

It has been fifteen minutes ever since his conversation with Tear

Right now Aaron is few hundred meters away from the village, hiding among the trees while observing the path where the merchant will come soon

His mind right now went through various scenario how things will goes from here

First, it is clear that even if he somehow manage to save the village there's chance it still going to be razed to the ground when Cthulhu raise from his slumber, as matter of fact this whole land might as well considered to be loss

So even after he solve their problem in the end it won't change anything, it won't matter, by the end of tomorrow there will be nothing left of this village, all of them will be destroyed by the Lovecraft creature

So in the end... Why? Why he still here? Why he still fighting despite knowing it will be useless?

"But we can't stop fighting, because when people stop fighting, that was when they truly lose."

A satisfaction perhaps...

He is afraid to Cthulhu, that was without doubt and a fact but at same time he is also mad, he is angry, to those who responsible for the slaughter of people in Arlham village and turn them into some kind of atrocities

Before he leaving at least he want to make sure those men pay for what they done to the villager in previous timeline

And also to stop villager turning to them. They are creatures that capable to teleport in one or two way, it will be troublesome to facing them in future after he escape if they to be let alive

Second, is he really going to do this? Attacking the whole merchant and kill them all? Don't get him wrong, he will kill those who responsible without hesitation but... What if there's innocence among them? What if there's people that doesn't know about the Witch Cult among them and only come because ordered to? What if those people have family, wife, daughter, husband, son, and friends that waiting for them back home?

Will he kill them?

Truthfully there's chance he can stop this without massacring all of them. He can still use his arcbishop persona and talk with Ketty privately then gain information about them before kill all those who involved with Witch Cult

However that was quite risky actually, there's chance that Ketty has been informed about his presence in first place. And obviously it will be very suspicious that when you introduce someone new to your group in next few days you and your entire group vanish without saying anything to you

Not to mention there's chance that he could 'trigger' the 'Curse' and turn the children into... Those thing

Still... This is people life that he grasp, not a simple or fickle things...

Then image of the eldritch creature that crawling and lunged at him with their inhumane claws flashed in his mind and his gaze turn to glare, his green eyes momentarily flicking with power and he grip Excalibur hilt with tight, clenching the Holy Sword with anger

He don't want to see those horrible creature again, those monster that taking over the people he know and twisting their very nature of existence. For him that was as bad as tortured by Cthulhu.

Maybe not to that extent but the point still stand, he don't want to take anymore risk, there's time that he have to repress his emotion so it won't hinder him

And right now is that time

As he feel the earth vibrate around him and sounds of thumping started to get near to his direction Aaron make his decision

There won't be any mercy for them, for the Witch Cult that has murder and slaughter thousand... Not from him, not from mankind, and not from their mad Goddess

He will kill those worms.

Every. Last. Of. Them.

"And that's the situation." Rem finished her explanation

"I see..." Emilia murmured as she glanced at the unconscious children that resting in the ground with sheet beneath them. She feels happy and relieved that Aaron really didn't kill them, despite his mind not in right state, that was proof enough just what kind of person he is "What about Aaron?"

"Aaron-sama said he will return after he finished taking care of the remnant of the cult."

"Is it okay for him?" She asked worriedly "I mean, he just recover moment ago..."

Right now everyone save for Beatrice is gathering in the yard. Each of them have their own duty, Rem and Ram to handling the mansion and Emilia with her study, however they decide to take break and focused to their current problem in case of something happened, which is guarding the children

"Not need to worry Lia, Aaron will be fine." Puck reassured while hovering above her "Even if wounded, he's more than enough to deal with likes of them." He know well personally just how powerful Aaron is, already having sense his power before.

That guy won't be killed so easy, there's reason whey he wary at him after all

'Not to mention there's that as well.' He added in his mind while narrowing his eyes slightly

This morning when he awake and started to screaming, Aaron's mana was went crazy, causing storm and shockwave to his surrounding, destroying everything that near him, his own mana causing those that in air to lash out violently at them.

And after they finally manage to calm him down his mana still not calm apparently, while true it no longer lashing out but it start to grow, granted it did not grow triple or quadruple but the thought of something that already so large still growing is... Terrifying

Aaron's mana reserve already surpassing anyone in residence including Emilia perhaps, and now it started to become larger... That was enough to send shiver to his back, he feel emotion that he has not felt for very long time after a years, fear.

Especially when there burst of Witch scent from him this morning, it was so intense for moment that it felt in the air, ominous and menacing. He was glad that Emilia wasn't there, she would be terrified if she close to him at that time

It was only for moment of course because after that scent appear it got dwarfed by his mana that went mad

But that was enough to make him feel fear... It almost like feeling Satella just reborn. What actually happened to him? Who is Aaron Pendragon? He claim to be descendant of Dragon, but what is the Witch scent he carry? What his connection with the Witch?

"Rem agree with Puck-sama, Aaron-sama will be fine, not need to worry Emilia-sama." Rem supported the cat spirit declaration with smile "Right Nee-sama?" She asked her sister

The pink oni who did nothing but sitting on chair while sipping her tea like a lady that own the manor only silent at her sister question, she appear to doesn't want answer it but she did in the end "Indeed, Aaron-sama monstrous and brute power is fearsome, the cultist is a poor who stand against dragon, they have no chance against his immense strength."

"... You make it like Aaron is the bad person in here." Emilia commented with sweatdrop

"It just Emilia-sama imagination." Ram brushed the comment aside easily "That actually very accurate comparison between Aaron-sama and the cultist."

"Indeed, that was true. Aaron-sama is fierce like a Dragon, as expected from Nee-sama!" Rem gushed while looking at her with sparkling eyes

Ram only let out "hmph" of satisfaction at that. Of course, she is that good after all

Still... She can't help but feel quite bothered by this situation. Especially about Aaron Pendragon. Like Puck, she also sense the malevolent of the Witch aura that burst out from him this morning and she not going to deny that was quite bothering for her

The origin of Aaron Pendragon is big mystery to her, he is someone who hail from land beyond Great Waterfall, had someone else said that to her Ram would tell that person to go check their own mind condition. However Aaron Pendragon claim is not baseless, he have strong foundation to support that claim, such as the metia he always carry around, that thing was pretty useful, and unique, she never seen or heard metia with such effect

And the pictures he show to them also support his claim, showing that there's land beyond the waterfall and he come from there, there was his picture in there after all. Not to mention he is also related to the Dragon, Volcanica in one or two way, he is mentioned in the Dragon Stone after all, and he is descendant of Dragon as well

So yes, Ram believe him that he come from land beyond Great Waterfall, the proof was more than enough after all

And because of that... Ram is very wary at him

He is mysterious being, an unknown, something that abnormal, and what more bothering is that he's powerful, undoubtedly so. In term of raw power he's as powerful as her when she still has her horn or more as matter of fact

And that mean something since Ram aware how powerful she was in past, she watering entire garden of village with magic and she not even exhausted or had hard time doing that after all

But what the biggest thing from him is, ever since he coming here everything has change... And Ram doesn't like change, she never like them as matter of fact, just like when she didn't like things change when she step to the lord Roswaal's manor for the first time

And now she faced with the same things... Change. Aaron Pendragon has brought change to her World, to Rem World. And just like when she stop unto the manor for the first time, the change he bring is good, it give positive impact to their life

And the situation also damn familiar. Rem was the first one that opened to lord Roswaal, and now she is also the first one that opened to Aaron Pendragon. However it's not end there, Ram perfectly aware that Aaron Pendragon actually give more positive result to her than lord Roswaal

For the first time ever since a years, Rem doing her duty as a maid not due to responsibility but also because she enjoying it. She started to open her eyes, expanding her view to the World, she started to learn how to... Live...

And Ram doesn't know how to response to that...

Not to mention that damn brute also start to probing her World as well.

She admit that it was her emotion that speak when she confront him in the forest before assault on the Witch Cult. She was angry that he dare to strike lord Roswaal, dare to harm the person that has give so much for her, and according to Rem would kill him had lord Puck wasn't there

She admit -note that she very reluctantly admit- that she was... Enjoying his company alright. Aaron Pendragon is smart and sharp, it feels good to have someone competent -other than Rem and lord Roswaal- standing on her side, and it also feel great to bring down that prideful persona of him when she won the argument -granted she actually lose more than him but she won't admit that of course.

Their bantering was amusing and certainly Ram feel it polish her mind, it is been a while she talk with someone who know how to shoot back with proper logic after all, she must say that was certainly enjoyable challenge

Though he really need to know to behave to his better. Seriously that man behavior is not helping at all. Seriously, he's insufferable, she was happy to get smacking his head with frying pan this morning -will be more happy if it do something at least- but at same time seeing he suffer like that in this morning...

Aaaand now her mind drifted to that topic she feel guilt grow inside her once again. Damn that man for making her feel like this. Gah! Even until now he still being bothersome! Truly that man-

She broken out from her stupor when she sense sudden change in the air, the mana around the air to be precise. Rem might be better in smelling scent but Ram is better in reading the wind due to her affinity, she can't check to the details -not anymore at least- but she still can tell if something happened in there

The change in the air was... Strange to say... It was unnatural... The mana in air... They were... Distorted, altered... They...

She quickly search for the source of the disturbance and she feel slight dread when found out the source is coming from the children that unconscious

Then the children, one of them stirred from his slumber, groaning

Everyone attention turned to him in instant

"One of them waking up?" Emilia muttered in surprise

"Hmph? It seems so, maybe Aaron-sama finally finished and now the children Curse got removed." Rem commented

"No, it's not that." Puck spoke, his voice slight urgent as he narrowed his eyes sharply to the boy that just groaning "Lia get back."

"Huh? Why? Puck-"

The groan from the boy caught the half elf once again, she turned to him and see his eyes started to open, they look dazed, unfocused, and they meet with Emilia's violet eyes

"You're awake." She smiled kindly to him as she crouching to his level "Are you okay?"

The boy stare at her, then his face suddenly confronted to painful expression, his eyes and mouth opened wide, his breath seems hitched

"Aaa... Aaa... Aaa... AAAAAAAAHHHH!"

SPLAT!

Then suddenly the boy body burst apart, as if there's bomb planted inside him

"LIA GET BACK!"

The half elf only can watched in beyond shock and horror as blood of the boy splattered to her face and body while got pulled back by her surrogate father

And moreover what gushed out from the child body was no longer blood and organs

It was an inky horde of snakes, countless snakes intertwined together -no, that thing was covered with suckers as big as fish gills, not something as simple as a group of snakes. Are they octopi? Or the tentacles of some strange octopus-like creature?

Whatever they are... There's no more trace of any humanity in them, and their appearance clearly spoke that very well

The creature that now stand before them have no limbs or a lower body, making them impossible to describe with words. There is a circular mouth at the end of each one of those endless tentacles. The mouths contain razor-sharp teeth like a shark's. All in all this creature is so wrong in so many level, it existence itself seems abnormal and anomally

Those who watching was petrified in where they stand. Shocked at the sudden appearance of the abomination creature that now letting out strange and foreign voice from it countless maw. It not because they're surprised or what, no, what make them shocked is this creature existence, for Rem and Ram who can sense creature through wind and smell, and for Emilia and Puck who is connected to spirits, this monstrous living being is something that alien, a mistake that born

But when it leapt forward to Emilia, one of them broken from their shock

A pillar of ice formed from the air and slammed directly to the monster in painful manner, sending the creature away and crashed to the ground. Puck however nowhere near done, the cat spirit for once look menacing and threatening despite his harmless appearance. He wave his paw, manipulating the ice that smacked to the creature, spreading the cold substance and make it encase the horror, freezing it wholly

There momentary silence as everyone in garden stare at the creature that now frozen from top to bottom, their minds still trying to comprehend what just happened moment ago

"This... This is what Witch Cult want to summon?" Ram voice was filled with pure distaste and disgust. Despite knowing that it won't go anywhere but her eyes never leave from it

"What... What was that?" Rem voice dry and filled with horror "That... That thing..." She can feel herself shudder just by watching the creature that now is nothing but a statue, the sense of wrongness that she felt from this monster is overwhelming

"Something that should not exist in this World." Puck answered, his voice grave and harsh, his eyes glaring intensely to the frozen horror. With one wave of his hand, it shatter into pieces and dropped to the ground, satisfied with the result he turned back to his surrogate daughter who look paralyzed, he winced when he felt the emotions that rolling from her "Lia, are you okay?"

The half elf slowly turned to him and the cat spirit can see and sense the pure horror she felt "Puck..." Her voice weak, and she look at the verge of tears "Puck that... That boy... He was..."

"Lia..." It was clear that she is very shocked to see the boy that just awake explode like that the moment he saw her. Lia is always a good girl, she is kind in heart, so seeing something like that... It must be very traumatizing "Lia-"

CLACK!

The sudden distort from mana in the air stop whatever the cat spirit going to say. They all turned to see the other children began to spasming in the ground, they all groaned and let out shriek of pain before they too, explode just like their colleague moment ago, spawning blasphemous creature to the World

"KIIIIII!"

They all letting out strange and alien voices from their many mouths as they slithering and begin to spread, scattering and start to lunged at them like a pack of predator that trying to swarm over their prey

'Fast!' Rem thought as she immediately react, her horn sprung out without hesitation, sounds of chain rattling in air echoed as sphere of iron with thorns lashed out and she launch it at one of the monster

Only for it to miss hitting it target who dodging the attack, however Rem not stop there, she pull her arm, moving the chain and make it bend, then with another pull the chain wrapped around the monster

With small cry, Rem lift the monster with her strength and slam it to the ground with force, sending dust and debris to everywhere. Then she pull her chain while spinning, dragging the wrapped creature roughly and the blue oni slam it to another that sneaking to attack her

However the creature was fast and agile, it dodged it own kin with easy, it countless limbs crawling and slithering in the ground before it lashed out at the oni

Rem forced to dodge the attack while pulling her flail however the tentacles were too many and she can't avoid all of them, one manage to graze her arm with their sharp fangs, drawing blood and make the oni let out hiss of pain. Fortunately she was saved by sharp arc of winds that come and tore apart the offending limbs mercilessly

"Nee-sama!"

"Rem! Are you okay?" Ram asked as she run to her side

"Rem is fine." Rem answered, her hand that wounded already started to heal, her eyes flicked back to the monster that hissing at them, she instantly notice there steam coming out from where the tentacles shredded and her eyes widened when see they all start to growing back 'High speed regeneration? The speed it display is almost like oni.' She thought with slight shock, she also notice that the monster she pummeled already stand once again

"They absorb mana directly from the air." Ram commented with narrowed eyes "Rem, we have to cut them directly into two or at least strike their vital organ -if they have one. We can't hurt them in half-baked manner."

"Understood." Rem nodded as she brought up her chain once again

"KIIIIIIIII!"

The monsters let out blasphemous voices from their countless mouth before they skittering to them once again, with their maw wide open and reveal sharp fangs that glistening

"El Huma!"

Six shards of ice spike launched from Rem's hand to the horror that charging at them, making the creatures split in order to dodge them. When that happen a three wave of sharp wind already on their way to reach one of them, and they hit their target as they violently tearing apart the gruesome monster

Meanwhile the other creature that moved instantly meet Rem's iron sphere, the thorns that protruding from the ball crushing and ripping the flesh of the monster, destroying part of it body like a castle sand meet wave of ocean

Those two attacks should kill living being by any mean, the winds that capable to shred down trees into a pieces of lumber, and a crushing attack that will bring down even pillar of building without much problem

And yet they didn't. The creatures bodies torn and shredded apart by the ferocious attack but they do not die, steams poured out from where their bodies tear apart, the missing parts started to regrowth as soon as they gone.

And what more terrifying is those creatures started to change

"Nee-sama..." Rem obviously notice this "They..."

"They evolving." Ram murmured with slight horror and grim realization. They have to finish them fast "I will cast powerful spell to tear their dynamic, Rem use that chance to kill one of them."

"But Nee-sama! If Nee-sama use large amount of mana in hurry like that-"

"It doesn't matter, we have to finish them before they finish changing! El Fura!"

With that she cast powerful spell and summon large gust of wind, shaping them into a gigantic sphere that like a cannon and launch it to the duo. Naturally seeing the attack they react and dodge, however the moment they did, the wind sphere explode, turned into airwaves that spread to everywhere, one of the horror that closer not safe from the backlash as many of her tentacles instantly tore apart, making it drop to the ground and incapable to move for a moment

And Rem already above it with Morningstar ready

With a loud cry, the oni bring down the spiky iron sphere like a vengeful Angel crush the creature directly in middle of it body, the power behind the attack was enormous compared to before as it went straight crushing the monster body and slammed to the ground, making crater and sending the creature flesh, dirt and debris to everywhere

The blue oni doesn't think to check is it finally dead or not -she have high expectation it did though- as she quickly focus to the last one who now skittering to her big sister that panting and vulnerable

"Ur Huma!"

A massive pillar of ice that like gigantic spear come out from the air and the blue haired maid launch it to the monster without any hesitation. The spear soar through the air with a speed, however the horrifying creature seems become faster and made Rem miscalculated, instead skewering the body wholly it only manage to graze the back of it, not enough to stopping it from approaching her sister

"No! Nee-sama!" Rem cried fearfully seeing the monster approach her sister that panting in ground, she quickly move Morningstar but she knew it won't reach her in time

A flash of turquoise light appear from corner of her vision, cutting her from her despair and the creature sliced into two in instant. He was there, his face set into stoic and solemn expression, his armor glistening under the sunlight, and his invisible sword stained with the black inky liquid of the horrible monster that he just slain

"Aaron-sama!" The blue oni feel so relieved and glad that he is here now. His presence alone enough to send comfort to her and she knew everything will be fine the moment he arrive

The blond swing his invisible sword once, splatting the liquid in there to the ground and cleaning the sword, he give one look of disdain to the dead monster before turned to him and smile, waving his hand

"Hello Rem." He greeted kindly, then he turned to Ram "And hello Ram, isn't this seems familiar?"

"That Aaron-sama arrive late again?" Ram deadpanned "Why yes, it certainly very familiar."

"That was not what I mean but... Alright I give you that one." He sighed "Can you stand at least?"

"Yes." Ram answered flatly as she slowly push herself

Aaron give nod and lend her a hand -which she took- before turned around, Rem approaching him and Ram, few meters away from her is Emilia who freezing the last of the creature and turn it into ice statue

Puck clicked his tongue in annoyance as he raining icicles at one of the horror that attacking him. Rem and Ram only deal with two, the last three coming to him. While normally he can handle them but he have Emilia to protect right now, she was in state of shock

What troubling the most is that this creature not just absorbing the mana to heal, but they use it to getting stronger too.

He can feel it, the disturbance around the mana that exist in the air. They all twisted and sucked by this creature, distorted beyond any recognition and then used to empower them. The change was fast, not visible due to their horrendous appearance but giving enough time it will

In short words, they evolving, and when they did it would be big problem for them

'Damn it! Does Aaron failed? No, that was impossible, he won't lose to them but was the caster able to trigger the curse before they died?!'

He manipulate the ice that lodged to the creature body, making them bloom and shred it apart from inside, then to make sure it did not recover he freeze it whole and shatter the pieces of it remain into another pieces

All of them happened only in few seconds, such is the level of the power of entity at his league. While he doesn't have raw strength that comparable to his true form but that doesn't mean his magic is weak

Of course in that few seconds the two remain monsters do not only silent. They moved when he kill their kin, skittering in ground and lunged at his direction, one of them targeting Emilia directly in attempt to distract him but such thing was useless

Puck is not your normal spirit. He was there when Satella still walking around the World and devour half of it. He had battled one of the Great Four Spirit and won, taking his place and become one of the most infamous entity in the World

Protecting Emilia while fighting isn't hard for them. Especially these creature is not that strong in term of attacking.

However that seems not needed as the moment the horror launched it limbs to Emilia, the half elf finally move. She snapped from her shock and terror, her face set into grim acceptance as she create distance between her and the monster

Puck waste no time to fly to her side in instant, smile of relief crossed his face "Lia!"

"Puck." She called back softly "I'm sorry, I was not in my mind before."

"It's okay, I understand, you must be very shocked."

The half elf choose to not answer that question as she create a large shield of ice, just in time to block the creature that lunged at him, and with Puck help, the monster that smashed to the ice instantly got encased, turned to statue of ice

Then with simple gesture of the half elf hand, the monster shatter into pieces and dropped to the ground

She slowly turned to the last one that facing her. No longer the creature have form that indescribable, the bottom part of it body was mixed, those countless tentacles taking shape as a mockery of legs, there also what look like arms as well, followed by head that half formed. It size also already bigger than before, twice of the silver haired girl height

"I'm sorry..." Emilia muttered, a lone tears rolled from her right eye "I cannot save you, I'm sorry." She apologized from the bottom of her heart, voice racked with shame and guilt "I... I will end your torment, I will make it fast, I'm sorry."

There's nothing she can do other than to free this child from their torture through killing them, she aware of that the moment she lay her eyes on this creature

The monster that stand before her did not reply her apologize, it only let out guttural yet also high pitched voice from it throat before it jump to her, it hands that constructed from countless tentacle flailing in unnatural manner as they reaching for her

Emilia put one hand to the ground, casting spell in there and she jumped back, just in time to avoid the monster that crashed to where she was moment ago. It quickly try to chaste after her seeing she was missing however it found it movement halted as ice slowly creep over to her lower part

At same time dozen of ice shards already manifested around the trapped creature, hovering around in from all direction and all of them targeted to it

"I'm sorry." She apologized once again, tears fell from her eyes as she stare at the horror that used to be innocent child

Then with single wave of her hand those ice shards lunged at it, piercing it body from multiple direction, eliciting shriek of pain from the monster that slowly drowned as ice started to cover it whole body. It seems defiant to the end as it extend it 'hand' toward her, as if trying to reach her and it deformed face was curled to snarling expression, alas it did not do anything as the ice finally reach it head and freezing it wholly, turning the creature into ice statue

"Alright Aaron, what actually happened?" Puck demanded, eyes sharp and obviously glaring with anger at him

'That actually what I want to know as well.' The blond thought with irritation

It has been few minutes ever since their battle against the horror, the front yard that used to be clean and beautiful now is total mess. Carcass of the dead monster bring bad smell to their noses, ice is covering part of the garden and there also several crater with various size

They want to clean this place, yes, but right now they all dying for an answer and explanation. And truthfully, Aaron dare to proclaim that he is actually the one who most confused in here

'They were different.' He thought as he noted the corpses of the monster. They not looking humanoid or anything he face in last timeline, only one that look humanoid but it still very different "Just exactly around when the children start transforming?" He asked

"Don't know, five or ten minutes ago?" Puck pawing his head "Not counting the details."

"... Well, that clearly troubling." He said with frown, inwardly he feel like pulling his hair

"What do you mean?" Emilia asked

"I already done killing the remain of the cult twenty minutes ago." He answered "The reason why I'm not going back directly to here is because I goes to the village to explain matters to Tear-san and Suwen-san." He explained. More like lying to them, he can't just say that he killing their temporary employer so he told them that Ketty Muttert and his band got attacked and they all died in the end, but it give him chance to finish the cultist for good.

Everyone tensed as they understand what Aaron implying. If he already killed the cultist that on their way to here before those children transformed then... How the Curse still activated?

"Does the caster already in village before the merchant come?" Emilia asked in worried voice

"... Maybe, yes, but at same time there's chance it actually delayed reaction. The moment all of the caster that could trigger the 'Curse' died, it activated itself." Aaron answered "We can't be sure in anything now, there too many mystery. We don't know how this 'Curse' work after all, Beatrice-san said it's too strange for her."

"Strange doesn't even begin it." Puck grumbled "Those creatures should not even exist in first place, what the hell Witch Cult thinking, summoning things like them."

"Puck-sama familiar with those creature?" Ram asked

"Hell no." Puck declined bluntly in instant "I'd rather cut my own tail than familiar with them." He said while giving face of disgust "What I mean is, those creatures, they do not belong in this World. Their existence is..." He paused and visibly shudder "It impossible to describe them in a words, however what I can say is that they should never born in first place."

There silence after that declaration. In all honesty Puck doesn't need to said that, while true that normal people won't be able to understand what make those creatures frightening but all whose here is can. Ram and Rem as oni have close relationship with the mana, enough for them to know what actually happened when those creatures spawned. Emilia is spirit contractor, as someone who can communicate to them she know well just how horrendous those abomination, the lesser spirits run and reject their very existence

And Aaron... He know enough that those monster is something that should never, ever come to here in first place

"I'm surprised Beatrice-san not here." Aaron said as he looking around but cannot find the librarian spirit

"Betty is in her library, that place is on different dimension, she probably can't sense what happened." Puck said

"I see..." That make sense, if Beatrice was not in her library then she probably already here right now and helping Puck and the other. It was then he notice that Emilia seems in daze and he decide to look into it "Emi..." He called the half elf who looking somber "Are you okay?"

"... No... No, I'm not..." She muttered, her eyes glued to the carcass and remain of the abomination. Despite their gruesome and ugly appearance she can't help but see different things "I'm not..." She repeated

"Lia..." Puck hovering to her side, face showing sadness as he knew how troubled she is "You must be tired, why don't we go back to your room and rest for a moment?"

"Rest... Yeah..." She mumbled "That's very good idea."

She briefly glanced at Aaron, her eyes meet his for moment before the blond give nod "You earn it." He said

The silver haired girl only nodded before she walk back to the manor without further words, the cat spirit following her from behind, Aaron heard he mumbling comfort to Emilia briefly before they enter the mansion

"We better start cleaning up then." Rem said as she looking around and grimace a bit "There's a lot that need to be fixed."

"Indeed." Ram added with sigh, extra work always ruin her mood. Not that it matter, her mood already ruined by these abomination

"Nee-sama can rest if she want, Rem can taking care of these by herself."

"Is that so?" Ram looking at the blue oni for a moment with observing eyes before she give nod "I understand, I shall leave it to Rem then. Ram expect no less but perfection okay?"

"Of course Nee-sama!"

Aaron watched the interaction briefly with silent, he only stare at Ram and Rem with understanding look. It's not like Ram is lazy or such thing, no, she was tired, exhausted, and she can't pushing herself, not without giving further damage to herself

But she's too prideful and proud to admit that, to admit that she is weak like that. She has been crippled, weakened, her power is gone, all she have is her pride, and she won't discard that. Rem also aware of that, that is why she instantly offer to clean everything, just so Ram appear to be not weak and not pushing herself too much

Ram is complicated person... But Aaron understand what kind of person she is

"Aaron-sama can go back to rest too." Rem said "After this Rem will prepare small snacks for Aaron-sama."

Aaron only silent as he observe the dead bodies of the horror. His mind trying to put the puzzle together but it proved to be no avail, he can't find any answer that reasonable or even a single clue

"Why they looks different?" He asking in low voice

What actually happened? Why the monsters different? What is the meaning of this? Does it mean that there's still another creature that lurking inside another hosts and will attack the village soon?

And why in the damned hell they seems so familiar?

"They were evolving."

"Huh?" Aaron turned to Ram who answer his unintentional question with confused look "Evolving?"

"... Before they born the absorb mana in air, it wasn't obvious and very subtle actually now Ram think about it again." Ram paused and recalling the information in her mind "When they have enough they started to be more violent, they greedily ate the mana around and come out from the children body. It not end in there, they still devouring the mana in air and they use it to empower themselves, they..." Her beautiful face marred by scowl of disgust in here "Ram don't know what they do, but the mana around them were twisted, they... Turned to something wrong. And like Puck-sama said, it cannot be described by a words."

It as if the World itself reject their very existence, screaming at them for daring to exist and twisting the mana around them in such blasphemous manner.

Aaron quirked his eyebrow, face confronted in thoughtful manner as he look back to the dead body of the horror that he cleave into two. He lift his leg and tilt the body while rubbing his chin.

'So they not instantly turn to that creature... This is their original form.' Well that explain the difference between the one he saw in previous timeline and this one. The former probably already full grown while the latter still immature

He tilt the corpse with his leg again, eyes observing the creature tentacles that having maw with sharp fangs protruding from there. He also noted that it top part actually look like octopus or crossover between...

"Wait a minute." He whispered as he blinked. He slowly goes to one knee, trying to get better look at this monster

Rem who just finished gathering few frozen parts of the dead monster along with another corpse -they all will be burned until none of them remain- blinked when notice the blond odd behavior "Aaron-sama? What are you doing?" Rem asked to the man

This creature... They so damn familiar... They really do. No, not just familiar! He... He recognize them! Yes! He recognize them! In real life it was very different and clearly more ugly, gruesome, and horrifying but if they put into reality...

He can see that this would be how they look like

Then he freeze again as another piece of puzzle come from his mind and started to put the image together. If... If that was true... If everything is like he thought then...

On another hand it was make sense despite how strange and abnormal these creatures ended. But that still can be reasoned with, and it was not impossible giving the status of this World

And if he is right then... This... This will be the answer...

But on another hand... This... This seems too good to be true, there is big chance that he is wrong in first place...

-he scream, wail, shouting, yelling, begging and crying as he feel his soul violated beyond salvation. He cried and cried, begging for them to stop. But the torture never end. Those stationary eyes keep watching him without any shred of mercy as his mind went through torture after torture-

But did he dare to hope? Does he dare to hope after...

"Hope can't solve anything, but it can led you to the right path."

"When people in despair, their only salvation is Hope, and through it they can accomplish amazing feat despite being cornered. "

"Hope is what make people strong. It is the reason why people band together. It is what people fighting for, and it is what they fight with when all else is lost."

...

Yes... Yes, he dare to Hope... God damn, yes, he dare to Hope because the suspicion he have right now is not baseless and very reasonable. Now his mind started to get clearer, he can see how logical and make sense it was

"Gods, I'm going to kiss that woman if I survive through this." He muttered with small chuckle as he rose to his feet

"Excuse me? Aaron-sama going to kiss who?"

The blond nearly jump from where he stand when an arctic voice come from behind him directly. He spun and meet face to face with Rem who have face that resemble statue

"No one!" He quickly blurted. He coughed to clear his throat and the discomfort he felt, for some reason it was very bothering him to see the girl glare at him like that. "It's just in a metaphorical sense."

"... It's was that woman wasn't it? Tear-san?"

"N-"

"Lie."

'What are you? Crusch Karsten?! I'm not even finish talking!' He thought with a twitching eyebrow "No Rem, I'm not going to kiss Tear-san, it's just a metaphorical phrase."

"But Aaron-sama will if given the opportunity."

Well... Tear is cute, pretty too, of course he will if given a chance. No sane man is going to refuse kissing a pretty girl after all.

"No Rem."

"That was a lie, Aaron-sama's reaction is slower than usual, Aaron-sama's muscle around his lips also tensed for a moment."

"Do you have Akashi's Emperor Eye, Sharingan or what?" He asked in bewilderment "How can you tell that?"

"Rem has been watching Aaron-sama a lot." She answered with a straight and unashamed face.

"O... Okay..." Aaron said in an uneasy tone "Anyway, Rem, after this is done can you prepare a dragon carriage?"

"Dragon carriage?" The blue oni blinked "Is Aaron-sama going somewhere?"

"Yes, I have some business in the Capital, I'll be leaving in an hour."

He was tempted to just run straight to the Capital on his own, he was faster after all, he could get there in an hour, and if he used the carriage it would be the afternoon by the time he got there, quite a short and limited time to make preparations. However it would leave him exhausted, and he was about to go fight against a gigantic sized giant whale, he couldn't afford to be weakened in any way.

So carriage it is, whether I like it or not.

"That still doesn't answer Rem's question, Aaron-Samoa is going to kiss Tear-san right?"

"... God damn it Rem! Get your priorities straight!"

"This is the main priority for Rem!"

"You're really Ram's little sister you know that?"